Montessori Early Childhood Diploma Course Application

Children ages 3 to 6 years

Overview

Dr. Montessori saw education as a natural process for children. This vision is implemented through the experience and wisdom of highly competent, international Montessori trainers. Learning includes a voyage of personal discovery for student teachers. The Montessori philosophy, which is at the heart of the course, is offered within the framework of contemporary child development. Developmentally appropriate materials support all learning concepts and are modelled within the prepared environment. This course (a minimum of 200 contact hours) provides the following curriculum areas:

Historic foundations of the scientific approach to Montessori education and philosophy

Stages of child development in the contemporary context

Daily life activities, including practical skills through movement and music

Sensorial development as a foundation for intellectual life

Language development as a foundation for social life

The preparation of the mathematical mind

The cultural and science subjects

The Montessori prepared environment as related to environmental design

The child in relation to the family and the community

Classroom management

Parent education

Aims

To place Montessori philosophy at the core of child development

To provide trainee teachers with the keys to understand the relevant practical skills to meet the needs of the child

To train competent teachers according to the standards of the best Montessori schools

Objectives

To implement the aims and enjoy the outcomes of this course, the student teacher will need to experience a change of heart. This voyage of personal discovery will allow the student teacher to value the children's efforts as they strive to achieve individual potential. Dr. Montessori tells us: “Education is not something which the teacher does, but that it is a natural process which develops spontaneously in the human being.”

Outcomes

The Montessori Early Childhood teacher will:

Demonstrate knowledge of human development and education

Demonstrate knowledge, application and analysis of the theoretical/philosophical base upon which Montessori early childhood education programmes have been, and are being, developed

Plan programmes that meet the individual needs and interests of children appropriate to their development, sociocultural background and experience level

Design and evaluate curriculum materials and resources appropriate to children with varying abilities and cultural backgrounds

Demonstrate interest and involvement in the community served

Demonstrate programme leadership

Intended Audience

Those who wish to train as Montessori teachers with children between the ages of 2 and a half and 6 years of age

E.C.E. and Pre-school teachers who want to gain more understanding of the Montessori Method

Recent immigrants to Ontario who wish to adapt their current skills and knowledge

Individuals seeking a career change

Practicing teachers who wish to participate in Montessori education

Teaching Practice and Internship

This integral aspect of the course consists of training in an approved Montessori school under the direction and guidance of an experienced Montessori certified teacher, who acts as a personal mentor. The period of internship is one academic year. During this year, the student teacher observes, assists and joins in all aspects of the educational and management process in the host school. Additional independent study, material making, research and projects are required.

Admissions Requirements

For the Montessori Early Childhood Diploma Course submit the completed application form online, by mail or in person, together with:

A current resume

An official transcript

Three letters of recommendation: academic, employer and personal

A written observation report of an operational Montessori classroom

A criminal check not more than six months old

Payment of the nonrefundable application fee

On receipt of your complete application package (including application fee), you will be contacted for an interview and English language assessment. This process takes about 1.5 hours. You will then be contacted with the results and confirmation of acceptance. The registration fee, MACTE fee, and exam fee are due upon acceptance.

On receipt of your complete application package (including application fee), you will be contacted for an interview and English language assessment. This process takes about 1.5 hours. You will then be contacted with the results and confirmation of acceptance. The registration fee, MACTE fee, and exam fee are due upon acceptance.